BA | Undergraduate

French and History

French at Queen’s reflects the dynamism and cultural diversity of the French-speaking world, focusing on the language, culture and society of metropolitan France, and opening up perspectives on a range of global cultures. All students spend an academic year in a francophone country. The undergraduate History programme offers students a wide choice, including ancient, medieval, early modern and modern history; students can explore aspects of gender, social and cultural history, colonial history, politics, religious and economic change.

French and History Degree highlights

French at Queen’s has frequently been in the top five, and consistently in the top seven, in a range of UK league tables over the last three years.

Global Opportunities

After stage 2, you will spend a period of residence (normally 8 months or more) in a French-speaking country. Students will have the possibility of acquiring professional experience by teaching in a school, undertaking a work placement, or doing voluntary work. They may also elect to study at a French university.

The History programme offers students opportunities to travel and study at universities in Europe and North America. Short-term (two weeks) and longer-term (up to one academic year) exchanges are on offer.

Field trips are also offered in particular years or as part of certain modules.

Students taking a BA in French and History have genuine opportunities for professional training in a global context. They undertake an extended period of residence abroad (typically 8 months), normally working as an assistant in a school or undertaking a paid work placement in a French-speaking country (options include France, but also for example Canada, Martinique and Réunion). Students can also elect to study at a French-speaking university. In addition to the benefits for oral competence, the residence provides a unique opportunity for immersion in French and francophone culture. Moreover, the Year Abroad is a significant learning and employability enhancement opportunity. This feature of our degree programme gives students the opportunity for personal development, and further develops communication and language skills and intercultural awareness. The challenges of living abroad come to be a unique (and unforgettable) stage in their own personal development.

Industry Links

Several modules include links with local collaborative partners, which provide students with opportunities to network with experts in the field or to gain experience of particular industries prior to graduation.

Internships have also been developed to allow students the opportunity to carry out work experience in history-related fields.

World Class Facilities

Queen’s has an excellent library with an outstanding range of resources in French and Francophone cultures and in History. Students can access digitised primary sources or can utilise material housed in the Special Collections or University Archive. The Language Centre has state-of-the-art facilities for language learning, and the IT provision more generally is excellent.

Internationally Renowned Experts

French and History at Queen’s are taught by world-leading experts, who are conducting cutting edge research in their respective fields. Research in Languages at Queen’s was ranked 3rd in the UK in the most recent Research Assessment (REF 2014). History at Queen’s has been placed in the QS World University Rankings top 150 History departments in the world for 2016. The 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) confirmed that History at Queen’s is producing world-leading or internationally excellent research, placing Queen’s in the top 10 of UK history departments.

Professor Janice Carruthers is an internationally renowned expert on linguistics. She is currently the Leadership Fellow in Modern Languages with the Arts and Humanities Research Council.

Student Experience

The National Student Survey results show consistent student satisfaction with the French and History programme, and with the university experience more generally.

“I was delighted to be awarded the Martin Lynn Memorial Prize for first year History at Queen’s. The course has enabled me explore and develop many new areas of history and I look forward to continuing my studies.”
Mark Jose Sandy, Cambridgeshire, England
2nd Year, BA Single Honours History

Brexit Advice

Course Structure

French 1
Intermediate French
French for Beginners
History and Historians
Exploring History 1
Exploring History 2

Stage 1 Optional Courses

Intro to French Studies 1
Intro to French Studies 2

Stage 2

French 2

Stage 2 Optional Courses

Modern Autobiography
Myth and Biography in Recent French Fiction
French Noir
Politics and Society in 20th Century Ireland
The making of contemporary Britain
The American South 1619-1865
The Roman Origins of the East
Europe between the Wars
Life, Love and Death in England and Ireland 1350-1650
The American South, 1865-1980
Revolutionary Europe, 1500-1789
History and Society
Greece and Macedon 404-337 BC
Roman Empire (AD 41-235)
Apocalypse! End of the World.
International Module
Politics and Society in 19th Century Ireland

Stage 3

Placement Year

Stage 4

French 3

Stage 4 Optional Courses

Modernism(s)
Contemporary Francophone Chinese Fiction
Ambition & Desire
Romance and Realism in Media Cultures
The Russian Revolution
Popular Culture in England – 1500 - 1700
The Soviet Union 1921-1991
Rome Under The Early Emperors
The Irish Revolution 1917 – 1921
Kings ,courts, culture -Caroling
Gender, Family and Household 1740-1844
Britain and the Cold War, 1945
The War of Ideas 17 C Ireland
Modern America: Since 1964
Society and Politics in Belfast 1780-1914
The Origins of the Protestantism
Evangelical Protestantism in Ulster
Dissertation
After Slavery: Race and Labour
Age of anxiety: Irish Culture
Kings and Saints in Early Ireland

Learning and Teaching

At Queen’s, we aim to deliver a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable our students to achieve their full academic potential.

On the BA in French and History we do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject experts, develop attributes and perspectives that will equip them for life and work in a global society and make use of innovative technologies and a world class library that enhances their development as independent, lifelong learners.

Examples of the opportunities provided for learning on this course are:

E-Learning technologiesA wide range of information associated with modules is often communicated via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) called Queen’s Online. Typically, lecture aids are provided through QOL for each module along with other support material. Much of the recommended reading is available through the same environment. Almost all coursework is submitted and returned, with marks and feedback, electronically.

Language enrichment classesStudents will have opportunities to develop oral skills and develop their knowledge of grammar and vocabulary in real-life, practical contexts. All these classes are taught in very small groups (typically 12-20 students). Students attend two language enrichment classes per week as part of the core language module. They also attend a one-hour oral class (typically 8-12 students), delivered by a native speaker.

LecturesThese introduce you to basic information about new topics as a starting point for your own further private study/reading. Lectures also provide opportunities to ask questions, gain some feedback and advice on assessments (normally delivered in larger groups of 30-40 students).

Peer mentorsTrained student Peer Mentors provide new undergraduates with advice and guidance from a student perspective

Personal TutorStudents are allocated a Personal Tutor who meets with them on several occasions during the year to support their academic development. This gives students one identified contact with whom to discuss any difficulties they might encounter and who can answer any queries they might have.

Self-directed studyThis is an essential part of life as a Queen’s student when important private reading, engagement with e-learning resources, reflection on feedback and assignment research and preparation work is carried out. Students can also form reading or writing groups with peers as part of self-directed study.

Seminars/tutorialsThese have an important place in the French and History programme, and are carried out in small groups (typically 10-20 students). They provide significant opportunity for you to engage with academic staff who have specialist knowledge of the topic, to ask questions and to assess your own progress and understanding with the support of your classmates. You will also be expected to make presentations and other contributions to these groups. Peer learning is an important aspect of the French and History degree and opportunities for peer learning are provided by small-group seminars and tutorials. Students are encouraged to debate ideas with peers, to participate in group activities and source analysis, and to learn from each other in a collegial environment. All of our language teaching and, where appropriate, other modules, are delivered through the medium of French in small-group situations.

Year AbroadStudents taking a BA in French and History undertake an extended period of residence abroad (typically 8 months), normally working as an assistant in a French school. In addition to the benefits for oral competence in French, the residence provides a unique opportunity for immersion in French and francophone culture, well as invaluable employment experience. The Year Abroad is a significant learning and employability enhancement opportunity during which students can study at a university, work as an English Language Teacher, undertake a paid work placement, etc. This feature of our degree programme gives students the opportunity for personal development, gives them a job placement, further develops communication and language skills and intercultural awareness. The challenges of living abroad come to be a unique (and unforgettable) stage in their own personal development.

Assessment

Details of assessments associated with this course are outlined below:

A variety of assessment methods is used, including written examination, coursework essays submitted during or at the end of the semester, group projects, oral presentations by individual students or collaborative groups, video-logs, discussion forums, tutorial activities, and dissertations. All assessment, apart from oral exams, is marked and returned anonymously

Feedback

As students progress through the course they will receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module convenors, teaching assistants, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers. University students are expected to engage with reflective practice and to use this approach to improve the quality of their work. Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:

Formal written comments and marks relating to work that students, as individuals or as part of a group, have submitted. This is generally provided online, ensuring that students have easy access to feedback across all modules and years.

General comments or question and answer opportunities during or at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial

Immediate, on-the-spot feedback from your teacher and peers during small group classes, tutorials, language and oral classes

Students also receive immediate feedback through the use of quizzes and digital survey exercises

Individual consultations addressing specific queries with lecturers during designated consultation hours or with advisors of studies or personal tutors

Online or emailed comment to specific queries.

Pre-submission advice regarding the standards you should aim for and common pitfalls to avoid. In some instances, this may be provided in the form of model answers or exemplars which students can review in their own time.

Comment and guidance provided by staff from specialist support services such as, Careers, Employability and Skills or the Learning Development Service.

Once students have reviewed their feedback, they are encouraged to identify and implement further improvements to the quality of their work

Facilities

Queen’s has an excellent library with an outstanding range of resources in French and Francophone cultures and in History. The Language Centre has state-of-the-art facilities for language learning, and the IT provision more generally is excellent.

Entrance requirements

A level requirementsPost A-level French
ABB including A-level French.
Note: for applicants who have not studied A-level French then AS-level French grade B would be acceptable in lieu of A-level French.

Beginners Level French
ABB + GCSE French grade B or evidence of linguistic ability in another language. Note: the Beginners' option is not available to those who have studied A-level or AS-level French.

International Baccalaureate Diploma33 points overall, including 6(French),5,5 at Higher Level

GraduateA minimum of a 2:2 Honours Degree, provided any subject requirement is also met

Selection Criteria

In addition, to the entrance requirements above, it is essential that you read our guidance below on 'How we choose our students' prior to submitting your UCAS application.

Applications are dealt with centrally by the Admissions and Access Service rather than by individual University Schools. Once your on-line form has been processed by UCAS and forwarded to Queen's, an acknowledgement is normally sent within two weeks of its receipt at the University.

Selection is on the basis of the information provided on your UCAS form. Decisions are made on an ongoing basis and will be notified to you via UCAS.

For last year's intake, applicants for this BA programme offering A-level/BTEC Level 3 qualifications must have had, or been able to achieve, a minimum of five GCSE passes at grade C/4 or better (to include English Language). Performance in any AS or A-level examinations already completed would also have been taken into account and the Selector checks that any specific entry requirements in terms of GCSE and/or A-level subjects can be fulfilled.

Offers are normally be made on the basis of three A-levels. Two subjects at A-level plus two at AS would also be considered. The offer for repeat candidates is set in terms of three A-levels and may be one grade higher than that asked from first time applicants. Grades may be held from the previous year.

Applicants offering two A-levels and one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent qualification), or one A-level and a BTEC Diploma/National Diploma (or equivalent qualification) will also be considered. Offers will be made in terms of performance in individual BTEC units rather than the overall BTEC grade(s) awarded. Please note that a maximum of one BTEC Subsidiary Diploma/National Extended Certificate (or equivalent) will be counted as part of an applicant’s portfolio of qualifications. The normal GCSE profile will be expected.

Access courses, BTEC Extended Diplomas, Higher National Certificates, and Higher National Diplomas can be considered, provided the subject requirements for entry to French are also fulfilled.

The information provided in the personal statement section and the academic reference together with predicted grades are noted but, in the case of BA degrees, these are not the final deciding factors in whether or not a conditional offer can be made. However, they may be reconsidered in a tie break situation in August.

A-level General Studies and A-level Critical Thinking would not normally be considered as part of a three A-level offer and, although they may be excluded where an applicant is taking four A-level subjects, the grade achieved could be taken into account if necessary in August/September.

Candidates are not normally asked to attend for interview.

If you are made an offer then you may be invited to a Faculty/School Visit Day, which is usually held in the second semester. This will allow you the opportunity to visit the University and to find out more about the degree programme of your choice and the facilities on offer. It also gives you a flavour of the academic and social life at Queen's.

If you cannot find the information you need here, please contact the University Admissions Service (admissions@qub.ac.uk), giving full details of your qualifications and educational background.

International Students

For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.

English Language Requirements

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we will be offering Academic English and Pre-sessional courses online only from June to September 2020.

Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level

Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

International Students - Foundation and International Year One Programmes

INTO Queen's offers a range of academic and English language programmes to help prepare international students for undergraduate study at Queen's University. You will learn from experienced teachers in a dedicated international study centre on campus, and will have full access to the University's world-class facilities.

These programmes are designed for international students who do not meet the required academic and English language requirements for direct entry.

Career Prospects

IntroductionStudying for a French and History degree at Queen‘s will assist you in developing the core skills and employment-related experiences that are valued by employers, professional organisations and academic institutions.http://www.prospects.ac.uk

Employment after the CourseGraduates of French and History go on to work in a very wide range of sectors, including media and communications, civil service, advertising, journalism, tourism, teaching and translation. They are particularly in demand in careers requiring a high level of communication and presentation skills, as well as strong critical and analytical thinking.

Employment LinksGraduates from this degree at Queen‘s are well regarded by many employers (local, national and international) and over half of all graduate jobs are now open to graduates of any discipline, including History.

The following is a list of the major career sectors that have attracted our graduates in recent years:
Fast-stream Civil Service
Journalism
Accountancy
Management consultancy
Museums, archives and libraries
Performing arts
Public relations
Publishing, journalism and media
Teaching
Voluntary sector/charities

Alumni Success"I really enjoyed my degree, especially the year abroad which allowed me to gain valuable professional experience and intercultural awareness. In addition, the high degree of analytical and linguistic training I received has prepared me very well for my work in the Department of Education in the areas of policy and legislation."
Sarah Malcolmson, graduated in 2003 in French and History, is now a Deputy Principal in the Northern Ireland Civil Service.

Additional Awards Gained(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)

Prizes and Awards

At Level 1, the Martin Lynn Memorial Prizes recognise the best performances in the ‘Exploring History I’ and ‘Exploring History II’ modules.

Students receive a certificate of distinction for first class performance in the Level 3 oral examination in French.

The Chris Shorley Prize rewards the best performances in the French Language exam in Level 3.

The Denis Rebbeck Prize is awarded to the student who shows most promise at the end of Level 2.

The Esther Ballantine Prize is awarded for the best performance in any pathway involving modern history

The J.C. Beckett Prize is awarded for the best overall performance by a Level 1 History student.

The K.H. Connell Prize rewards the graduating student who has the best performance in an Economic and Social History module.

The Lewis Warren Prize is awarded for the best performance in any Medieval History module at Levels 2 or 3.

The Mary Gardiner Prize is awarded to the Level 3 student who achieves greatest distinction in Ancient History in the final examinations.

The Montgomery Medal is awarded for the best final-year undergraduate dissertation on an aspect of current affairs in Ireland.

The QUB History Society Prize rewards the best group project in ‘History and Historians: Contested Pasts’.

The Richard Bales Prize is awarded to the student with the highest mark in a French optional module in Level 3.

There are a number of undergraduate prizes available to top-performing students on this pathway. In addition to Foundation Scholarships recognizing outstanding achievement in Level 1, we have a range of endowed prizes.

Degree plus award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Degree Plus. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fee rates are calculated based on a student’s tuition fee status and generally increase annually by inflation. How tuition fees are determined is set out in the Student Finance Framework.

* The tuition fees that EU students starting courses at UK universities following the agreed transition period are required to pay will depend on what is agreed as part of the UK's exit negotiations. Please refer to www.qub.ac.uk/brexit-advice/information-for-students

Additional course costs

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library.

If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. A programme may have up to 6 modules per year, each with a recommended text.

Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a final year includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

French and History costs

Students have a compulsory year abroad in year 3 of their degree. Students who undertake a period of study or work abroad are responsible for funding travel, accommodation and subsistence costs. These costs vary depending on the location and duration of the placement. Students should be aware that placement and internship modules do not normally involve payment or financial support from either Queen’s or the placement/internship provider.

Placement options include:

Erasmus Work with British Council as Teaching Assistant: Students currently receive approximately €780 net per month and an Erasmus monthly grant of approximately €300 .
Erasmus Study Placement: Students currently receive an Erasmus monthly grant of €300.
A limited number of Erasmus grants are available.

How do I fund my study?

There are different tuition fee and student financial support arrangements for students from Northern Ireland, those from England, Scotland and Wales (Great Britain), and those from the rest of the European Union.

International Scholarships

How and when to Apply

How to Apply
Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Full information can be obtained from the UCAS website at: www.ucas.com/students.

When to Apply
UCAS will start processing applications for entry in autumn 2020 from 1 September 2019.

Advisory closing date: 15 January 2020 (18:00). This is the 'equal consideration' deadline for this course.

Applications from UK and EU students after this date are, in practice, considered by Queen’s for entry to this course throughout the remainder of the application cycle (30 June 2020) subject to the availability of places.

Applications from International (non-UK/EU) students are normally considered by Queen’s for entry to this course until 30 June 2020. If you apply for 2020 entry after this deadline, you will automatically be entered into Clearing.

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as is consistent with having made a careful and considered choice of institutions and courses.

The Institution code name for Queen's is QBELF and the institution code is Q75.

Terms and Conditions

Additional Information for International (non-EU) Students

Applying through UCAS
Most students make their applications through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) for full-time undergraduate degree programmes at Queen's. The UCAS application deadline for international students is 30 June 2020.

Applying direct
The Direct Entry Application form is to be used by international applicants who wish to apply directly, and only, to Queen's or who have been asked to provide information in advance of submitting a formal UCAS application. Find out more.

Applying through agents and partners
The University’s in-country representatives can assist you to submit a UCAS application or a direct application. Please consult the Agent List to find an agent in your country who will help you with your application to Queen’s University.